US Baby Boomers Face High BP Woes

Published Online: Wednesday, February 1, 2006

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In its annual summary of the nation's well-being, the US government
announced that half of all Americans closing in on
their Medicare-eligible years have high blood pressure (BP),
while 2 out of every 5 are obese. The report was based on data
collected by the National Center for Health Statistics and featured
an in-depth look at the age 55 to 64 demographic, the
oldest of the baby boomers and the fastest-growing segment
of the US population.

The report noted that 40% of this population was obese,
up from 31% in the 2003 report. People in this segment also
had more frequent and more severe health problems,
including diabetes and heart disease, than their younger
counterparts. Although many adults in their late 50s and
early 60s enjoy good health, others deal with chronic and
debilitating diseases, such as high BP, as well as lack of
health insurance. The report found that minorities were
more likely to fall into those categories.

"Controlling high BP and obesity is crucial for health, and
particularly for baby boomers as they grow older,"said
Health and Human Services Secretary Mike Leavitt. "It's time
to act against both conditions so more Americans can live
longer, healthier lives."